The allure of London as a place to live is undeniable. From the career opportunities available to the world-class cultural offering, London has a draw that few can resist. However, the harsh reality of living within the confines of the M25 seems to come with a rather difficult trade-off: space for proximity, and a significant percentage of your income for very little space at all. For many, the answer seems to lie not within the confines of the city proper, but within the quaint towns and villages just outside it. Perhaps the most important decision you will make for yourself is the answer to the question: “Where should I live near London?”
As you weigh up your options, the second factor to consider after budget is “connectivity.” You want a place that not only has a good train link into the city but also facilitates ease of movement for those early mornings, late nights, and weekend getaways. For example, Hertfordshire is a particularly popular choice for families, owing to its idyllic countryside setting and towns such as Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead, which marry quaint character with modern living. In such locations, it is services such as Taxis in Hemel Hempstead that help facilitate “connectivity” for those living in the area and in need of bridging the gap between their front door and the train station, ensuring that the “last mile” of the commute is as easy as the journey into Euston itself.
To help you make this choice, we have identified some of the most popular locations for living as a commuter, examining their transportation links, lifestyle, and property market. Whether you are a first-time buyer, a family expanding, or a professional looking for a more relaxed pace of life, here is your definitive guide to the best locations for living close to London.
St Albans is often described as the quintessential commuter town for a reason. It sits in Hertfordshire and boasts an excellent combination of history, the outdoors, and modern amenities. Of course, the jewel in St Albans’ crown is St Albans Cathedral, but for the commuter, it’s the speed of the Thameslink service that really makes St Albans shine. Travel times to London St Pancras International are as low as 20 minutes.
Why live here? First and foremost, the school provision is excellent for both primary and secondary education, so it’s a real haven for families. Additionally, the high street boasts an excellent selection of independent shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional pubs. However, it does come at a cost – property prices in St Albans are often similar to those found in Zone 3 London, so you pay for the prestige of living here. If you’re on a tighter budget and can’t afford St Albans, then Harpenden offers a similar experience, although with a slightly higher level of exclusivity.
For those who enjoy green spaces and a slower pace of life, Sevenoaks in Kent offers a spectacular option. With the town sitting on the edge of the Kent Downs AONB, residents get to enjoy the benefits of Knole Park and vast areas of woodland. Commuting into London Bridge or Cannon Street takes around 30 to 40 minutes via Southeastern trains.
Why live here?
The town offers a strong community atmosphere and some of the best schools in the South East, including the highly regarded Sevenoaks School. Although the cost of living here is high, you get a lot of land and space for your money compared to living in London.
If you are looking for a town that provides value for money as well as transport links, then look no further than Hemel Hempstead. This is a town situated in the heart of Hertfordshire, originally designed as a new town after World War II. This means that it is designed for modern living, unlike St Albans, which is a medieval town. There are wide roads, parking spaces, and beautiful parklands such as Gadebridge Park and the Grand Union Canal.
For the commuter, the town is a powerhouse of connectivity. The mainline train station provides frequent trains to London Euston, with journey times of under 30 minutes. For those who need to use the service for business or pleasure on a regular basis, the proximity of the town to Luton airport is a major plus point. To guarantee a stress-free journey for an early morning flight or a hassle-free return after a late arrival, a specialized Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead service is available. This ensures that the journey to the airport is hassle-free, taking away the stress of dealing with traffic and finding long-stay car parks. The town also provides easy access to both the M1 and M25, making it a strategically placed hub for road users.
Continuing westwards, Reading offers a distinctly urban commuter experience. It may be a large town by definition, but it acts as a city in its own right, boasting a vibrant nightlife, a thriving tech industry (often referred to as the ‘Silicon Corridor’), and the renowned Reading Festival. The key benefit is the Elizabeth Line, which has transformed the commute. Now you can reach the West End or the City of London directly, with a journey time of around 25 minutes to Paddington Station.
Why live here? Prices are lower than those found in Home Counties towns just north of London, offering modern apartments and homes for the money. It is an excellent choice for young professionals or couples who want a fast-paced lifestyle with good access to the capital but do not want the associated rent bills. Drawbacks include the urban chaos and lack of ‘quaintness’ associated with traditional market towns.
Woking has undergone a huge change in recent times. It has a high-rise building and a newly constructed shopping center, so it looks very modern and vibrant. Its superpower is its train line, which has an express train running directly to London Waterloo in just 24 minutes, making it one of the fastest commutes for a town outside of the M25.
Why live here? Woking has a fantastic combination of city apartments near the train station and more rural areas further out of town. It is also a great entry point for access to Surrey’s picturesque countryside, including the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The council has also invested significantly in infrastructure, making it a viable option if you want to live in a more affluent area like Guildford or Esher. If you’re in finance or law and need to get to London, then Woking is in the top tier of commutes.
For those who appreciate architecture and style, Royal Tunbridge Wells is not an easy place to beat. Famous for the Pantiles, an old Georgian colonnade, Tunbridge Wells in Kent offers a sophisticated lifestyle. Commute time to London Bridge or Charing Cross is 45-55 minutes.
Why live here? This is an excellent place for those looking for a high-quality lifestyle and excellent educational opportunities for their children. The property market here is strong, offering a wide selection of period homes. While the commute time may be a little longer than you might prefer, the benefits make it all worth it. This is a place where you feel miles away from the chaos of city living and yet are still close enough for a trip to the theater or for work.
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Ultimately, the choice of location for living near London depends on what you prioritize as non-negotiables. If the very shortest journey time to London is a priority for you, then St Albans and Woking are the winners. If you need to get the most space for your money, then you might want to look at the outskirts of Reading and Hemel Hempstead. And finally, if school catchment areas are a priority for you, then Sevenoaks and St Albans are the leaders.
Before you make any decisions, we would recommend trying out a town for a day – a weekday – and doing the journey during rush hour, walking around the town and then visiting the high street at the weekend. This will give you a real sense of whether it is the right town for you or not. The best place to live near London is not just about the time you spend on the train – it is about the lifestyle you can build when you get off the train.
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